COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) – The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office was on site at the CVS on Double Churches Road to collect expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medication.

As a result of this drug take-back initiative, the sheriff’s office collected 192 pounds of medications.

With many accidental poisonings and overdoses nationwide, this program serves an important public safety and public health interest.

Studies have indicated a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including those taken from home medicine cabinets.

Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the DEA has collected this year 3,565 pounds of medication, which is 558 pounds more than last year. Since inception, the program has resulted in the recovery of over 7.1 million pounds of medication.

This turn-in program provides a safe and secure means of disposing of potentially dangerous medications so we appreciate everyone who participated.